Starlink is entering a new stage of its development by launching the first of its satellites intended to provide a connection to smartphones.
The satellite internet giant explained last year that it wanted to expand its activity in order to be able to ensure the connection between smartphones. This service, called “Direct To Cell”, could potentially allow in the future to make a phone call directly, from any point on the planet. And it will be able to be quickly tested, thanks to the launch of these new satellites.
6 satellites to start
The public is so accustomed to SpaceX launches that they no longer really pay attention to them. But the one that just took place should still attract attention. The six satellites sent into space will in fact be the company’s first for its Direct To Cell service.
This will therefore be able to be tested, first in the United States. The American firm wants to increase its activity development, and will therefore only offer in 2024 the possibility of sending SMS messages via its satellites. The service should be extended during the year to other countries, while in 2025, voice calls and internet data should be added to the offer.
A network for poorly covered areas
Elon Musk communicated directly about this launch on his X network. He specified that Direct To Cell “ will enable mobile phone connectivity anywhere on Earth. » However, the network will operate on the traditional 4G network, which makes the richest man in the world say that it is, for the moment, a niche telephone solution.
“ While this is a great solution for places without cellular connectivity, it’s not really competitive with existing terrestrial cellular networks » he explained. The fact remains that by adding telephony to its satellite internet offering, Starlink risks being more and more attractive in the years to come. This should quickly lead to demands for greater compliance from governments, which is already the case in France.
Source : The Verge
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